INJECTING a polymer into dogs within three days of a spinal injury greatly improves their chances of recovery, according to a team led by Richard Borgens of Purdue University’s Center for Paralysis Research in Indiana.
The polymer, called polyethylene glycol or PEG, was injected into 19 dogs admitted to one of two veterinary hospitals after being paralysed when their spines ruptured. The dogs also received standard treatments: surgery to relieve pressure on the spinal cord and remove stray bone fragments, and steroids to reduce inflammation.
After six weeks, 13 of the dogs (68 per cent) had regained the ability to…
